MV Aegean Wind Principals Assure DFA that Repatriated Seafarers will Get Benefits
|
| |
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo (fourth from left) welcomed the seven Filipino seafarers of the MV
Aegean Wind who arrived this morning, and received assurances from their ship owner, manning agency, and
ship’s insurers that the seafarers will get the benefits due them.
MV Aegean Wind caught fire in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela last December 25, 2009, killing
nine and injuring five.
Also present to receive the seafarers was DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban B. Conejos
(right).
Messrs. Franklin Ebrado, Jomarie Alcantara, Jason Alfante, Ronie Sarian, Tabigue Ubaldo, Robeytho Galam
and Christopher Agra arrived from Caracas, Venezuela this morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
They were received by a contingent from the DFA and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Representatives from the manning agency Seapower Shipping Enterprises Inc., shipowner Atlantic Bulk
Carriers, and ship insurer Protection and Indemnity Club (represented by Pandiman Philippines) were also
present at the airport.
According to the Seapower Shipping Enterprises Inc. representative Jocelyn Gueritan, the seafarers will receive
their salaries and other benefits such as bonus, reimbursement for the loss of their personal effects, and travel
allowance back to their hometowns. The seafarers will also be given medical check-ups.
She also gave the assurance that the once the seafarers have had their rest, they can be redeployed
immediately.
For their part, Pandiman Philippines representatives Charie Dumaycos and Cora Tabuena said that the ship
and its crew are covered by the ship’s insurance.
Investigations are ongoing on the cause of the fire, according to Atlantic Bulk Carrier representative Capt.
Stefanos Rizos. They are still awaiting the final report on the incident. He added that they will closely coordinate
with the manning agency and the ship’s insurers to ensure that the welfare of the surviving seafarers will be
taken care of.
Captain Rizos commended the efforts done by the Philippine Embassies in Caracas and Athens, Greece and
the DFA-OUMWA for their efforts in assisting the Filipino seafarers and making possible the immediate
repatriation of the remains of the six Filipino seafarers who died.
Under the instructions of Secretary Romulo, Undersecretary Conejos coordinated the actions of the Philippine
Embassies in Caracas and Athens.
Philippine Consul General in Caracas Jose Ampeso went to Curacao to coordinate with the representative of
the manning agency stationed there. Philippine Consul General in Athens Constancio Vingno liaised with the
Greek ship owner, while Philippine Ambassador to Caracas Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia worked with the authorities
in Caracas and sought the assistance of the Dutch Ambassador in Caracas. Curacao is under the political
protectorate of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
The combined efforts of DFA officials and other individuals resulted in the timely granting of a permit by the
Curacao authorities to allow the remains to be transported to Athens, then to Manila during the Christmas-New
Year holidays.
The remains of Bonifacio Vallescas, Reo Arias, Danilo Esparagoza, Noel Lagamon, Bryan Pragamac, and Jerry
Espanola arrived in Manila last January 2 via a chartered Boeing DC 8 flight and were received by their next of
kin. Representatives from the DFA, OWWA, and Seapower Shipping Enterprises Inc were present to assist the
next of kin..
Two other Filipino seafarers were injured during the fire. One of those injured, Mark San Jose, has earlier
arrived in Manila. Cromwell Pilapil, on the other hand, remains in Caracas receiving medical treatment for
second-degree burns. He has been transferred to a private room from an intensive care unit and is awaiting
clearance from his doctors when he can fly home. (photo by Benjamin Remo, DFA-PISU) END
|
| |
Commemoration of Rizal Day in Brasilia
|
| |
The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia commemorated the 113th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal
through several events. These include a special mass celebrated by Fr. Dolindo, a Filipino priest with the
Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate mission, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal bust located in the
Embassy grounds, a showing of the movie “Jose Rizal”, and a salo-salo with the Filipino community. END
|
| |
Philippines to Host Workshop on The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
|
| |
As part of its presidency of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (NPT RevCon) in May,
the Philippines will host a workshop among experts from all over the globe that will find ways to ensure the
success of the review process.
With the theme, “Working Towards a Successful 2010 NPT Review Conference,” the February 1-2 workshop in
Makati City aims to contribute in the consultation and deliberation process that needs to be undertaken before
the RevCon. It will also assist delegations, particularly those from developing countries, in their preparations.
The Philippines will preside over the 2010 NPT RevCon that will take place at the United Nations headquarters
in New York on May 3-28. The country will be represented by Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan.
The NPT is an essential cornerstone in the global pursuit of nuclear disarmament. It was designed to prevent
the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to further the goal of nuclear disarmament and
general and complete disarmament, and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The NPT, which entered into force in 1970 and was extended indefinitely in 1995, requires that review
conferences be held every five years to assess the operation and implementation of the treaty.
The Philippines views success in this year’s NPT RevCon as crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of the
Treaty and its implementation.
“The Philippines accepted the responsibility of the presidency for the 2010 NPT Review Conference because of
the country’s unshakeable belief in the importance and significance to humankind of the NPT and its strong
desire to make a positive contribution in this regard,” Ambassador Cabactulan said.
He added that the current positive global climate reflects the best opportunity for achieving success in the 2010
NPT RevCon and beyond.
The February workshop will bring together representatives from key governments, inter-governmental
organizations and selected non-governmental organizations, and the President-elect of the 2010 RevCon.
Around 70 participants from 37 NPT States Parties including the United States, Russia, France, Germany,
Cuba, Egypt and Iran; six international organizations; and six global NGOs will attend the workshop.
Among the issues to be discussed include: the implications of the United States-Russia follow-on agreement
to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) which expired in December 2009, an action plan on nuclear
disarmament, impact of renewed commitment to the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT) as well as anticipated negotiations on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for
nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, strengthening of safeguards, non-compliance to the NPT,
the nuclear program of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), progress on the 1995 Resolution
on the Middle East, among others. END
|
| |
DFA Launches Logo and Slogan Contests that Call For Global Action on Nuclear
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
|
| |
In line with Philippine efforts to promote global peace and security, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
today launched logo and slogan contests that will call for global action on disarmament and non-proliferation.
The contests also aim to educate and inform the Filipino public of the crucial role that the Philippines will
assume as President-elect of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (NPT RevCon) on
May 3-28 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The NPT is an essential cornerstone in the global pursuit of nuclear disarmament. It was designed to prevent
the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to further the goal of nuclear disarmament and
general and complete disarmament, and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The two contests are open to all Filipinos, 16 years and above, who are residing in the Philippines. Deadline of
submission of entries is on March 15, while the announcement and awarding of winners will be in April 2010.
The winner for the logo contest will receive a cash prize of P10,000.00 while winners of the slogan contest will
receive a cash prize of P5,000.00 (First Prize); P3,000 (Second Prize); and P2,000 (Third Prize). Winners will be
given free air fare to Manila for the awarding ceremony.
The winning entries will be used by the Philippines as its official logo and slogan prior to, and during its 2010
NPT RevCon Presidency.
For the full contest mechanics, please see the DFA website: www.dfa.gov.ph. END
|
| |
Rizal Day Celebration in Honolulu
|
| |
The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu commemorated the 113th death anniversary Dr. Jose Rizal last
30 December 2009. The event was held at the Consulate grounds where a bust of the national hero stands.
The program included a flag-raising ceremony, an interpretative reading of the Andres Bonifacio-translated
version of Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” done by Dickens Ulsa, a rendition of “Bayan Ko” by Emmanuel Paredes, and
remarks by Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Leoncio Cardenas.
Following Hawaiian tradition, leis were offered by key leaders of the Filipino community led by the Commander
of the Knights of Rizal Hawaii-Chapter Clement Bautista and Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee
of Hawaii member Maggie Domingo.
The lei offerings were also done in a public park in Honolulu where another Rizal statue is located.
All Consulate General officers and staff members were in attendance during the event.
Two weeks earlier, in Kona on the Big Island, a youth group celebrated Rizal’s death anniversary with a display
of Filipino songs and dances. END
|
| |
RP Consulate General in Chicago Commemorates
|
| |
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated the 113th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr.
Jose P. Rizal last 30 December 2009 with a floral offering and a program.
The floral offering was done at the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument along Lake Shore Drive. It was followed by a
program held at the Little Quiapo Restaurant in Chicago, in cooperation with the Knights of Rizal. END
|
| |
DFA Working on Inclusion of Filipinos in Saudi Pardon (Update)
|
| |
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh has requested Saudi authorities for a list of Filipinos in jail who would be
granted royal pardon on the occasion of the return of the Saudi Crown Prince.
To mark the return of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz from medical treatment overseas, the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah issued royal pardons last December 11, 2009.
DFA Secretary Alberto G. Romulo expressed deep appreciation for the benevolence and kindness of His
Majesty King Abdullah and wished him and Crown Prince Sultan long life.
Secretary Romulo also said that the Philippine Government regularly requests for the inclusion of Filipinos in
any pardon, especially before Ramadan, and when it knows that they have served at least half their sentences.
Philippine Consul General in Jeddah Ezzedin H. Tago earlier reported to the DFA that the Consulate General
sent a note verbale to the Makkah Branch of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter of the inclusion of
Filipinos in the royal pardon.
Both the Embassy and the Consulate-General continue to make representations to the relevant Saudi
authorities for the inclusion of as many Filipino prisoners as possible.
The royal pardon applies to both Saudi nationals and foreigners who are considered not to pose a threat to
public order. The pardon covers those who are detained or jailed for petty crimes and violations and who have
made restitutions to their victims. They includes those whose charges are still being heard by the courts.
However, the pardon does not include those arrested for major crimes, or offenses liable for specific
punishments under Shariah law (hadd crimes) or from lawsuits on private rights, such as theft, embezzlement,
diyah and qisas.
Expatriates facing deportation will still have to go through all the necessary government procedures before they
are allowed to leave the country.END
|
| |
Commemoration of Rizal Day in Rome
|
| |
The Philippine Embassy in Rome spearheaded the commemoration of the 113th anniversary of the martyrdom
of Dr. Jose P. Rizal last January 3.
The event was held at the Piazzale de Manila, a big square near the affluent Parioli area of Rome, where a small
monument with the bust of Dr. Rizal is located.
The Embassy coordinated with the Guardians in Rome, particularly the Philippine Democratic Guardians
International; Norberto Fabros, founder of the Philippine Democratic Guardians; and Marie G. Lami, Trade
Assistant of the Office of the Commercial Attaché.
The program started with the offering of flowers at the Rizal monument by Embassy officers led by Philippine
Chargé d’Affaires to Rome, a.i., Danilo Ibayan; Labor Attaché Chona Mantilla; and Welfare Officer Andrelyn
Gregorio.
It was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the Philippine national anthem.
CDA Ibayan delivered a short message and led the reciting of Rizal’s “Last Farewell”. Other short messages
extolling the heroism and virtues of the national hero were delivered by the Guardian leaders, Norberto Fabros,
Warfredo Balmeo, Arnold Foronda, Pancho Cacas, and by Councilor-Adjunct of the Rome City Council Felix E.
Mendoza.
Some 50 Filipinos from the Embassy and representatives from the Filipino communities in Rome attended the
ceremony.
In his message, CDA lbayan highlighted the visit of Dr. Rizal in Rome from June 27-30, 1887. During his first
day in Rome, the national hero walked all day and went to see the Capitoline, Tarpeian Rock, Palatine, Roman
Forum, Colosseo, Capitoline Museum, and the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
In his letter to his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt, Dr. Rizal said: “I cannot describe to you the impression Rome
has made on me…. Everything I tread is the dust of heroes. Here I breathe the same air that the Roman heroes
breathed…. I should like to stay here until the last moment. I will give up visiting the other cities. I’m sorry I have
already booked passage. If I had one more year, I would spend it all here.” END
|
| |
Embassy Brings Cheers to Filipino Inmates in Brunei Darussalam
|
| |
Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Alexander B. Yano led Embassy officers and staff in a visit to
Jerudong Prison and Maraburong Prison last December 30 and 31, respectively.
The jail visitation is a regular activity of the Embassy in Brunei and other Philippine foreign service posts, as a
major component of its assistance-to-nationals program.
Moreover, it is also a way to reach out to the inmates, cheer them up and lift their spirits during the holiday
season.
The jail visits are also a way to get first hand-information from the inmates on their conditions inside the
facilities, and their date of release.
During the visits, Ambassador Yano encouraged inmates not to lose hope and keep on praying for them to be
stronger and maintain camaraderie with other inmates and with Brunei prison officials.
He also extended his thanks to Haji Jasmi bin Haji Abdul Latfi, Acting Director of Prisons Department at Jalan
Jerudong, and to Haji Zainal bin Haji Ismali, Officer-in-Charge at Maraburong Prison, for the humane treatment
accorded to inmates at their respective areas of jurisdiction.
The Embassy team brought Filipino food from fast-food chain Jollibee, and provided the inmates with personal
hygienic items.
On December 30, the Embassy officers and staff held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 113th
celebration of Rizal Day.
In his message, Ambassador Yano said that the virtues showed and espoused by the national hero have not
become obsolete and are still effective in today’s world.
“It is fitting for us to commemorate the celebration of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal for us to continue to
emulate him and to follow his good virtues. He is one of the first Filipino migrants who become successful
abroad during those times that traveling was not as easy and high tech as of today,” he said. END
|
| |
| |
|
